The dog named "Oreo" was on a 2-foot ledge and could not move without falling, according to the sheriff's department statement.

The helicopter arrived at Portuguese Beach at about 1:46 p.m, the department reported on Sunday. The owner of the dog had called 911 earlier for help.

Deputy Sheriff Henri Boustany attached himself to the bottom of a 100-foot "long line" which was also attached to the belly of the helicopter.

Pilot Paul Bradley flew Boustany to the ledge where the dog was stranded. Using the dog's chest harness, the animal was flown to the top of the cliff within about three minutes, according to the department. A crowd gathered to watch the rescue.

"The dog and I got to know each other real quick," Boustany told the Press Democrat. "I think the dog just wanted to be out of there."